Upcoming Rideshare Missions in 2026
This page tracks the major upcoming rideshare launch missions accepting commercial CubeSat and SmallSat payloads. Each listing includes the launch vehicle, target orbit, estimated booking window, and links to detailed mission pages. For the live, updated launch manifest database, see all launch windows on KOSMOLAB SPACE.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter Missions
SpaceX Transporter dedicated rideshare missions are the highest-cadence commercial rideshare option. Each mission carries hundreds of CubeSat and SmallSat payloads to Sun-Synchronous Orbit at ~525 km. Booking typically closes 12-18 months before launch through certified deployers (Exolaunch, D-Orbit, NanoAvionics, Momentus).
| Mission | Vehicle | Orbit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transporter 17 | Falcon 9 Block 5 | SSO ~525 km | Manifest open |
| Transporter 18 | Falcon 9 Block 5 | SSO ~525 km | Manifest open |
| Transporter 19+ | Falcon 9 Block 5 | SSO ~525 km | Dates TBD |
How to book: Contact a certified Transporter deployer (Exolaunch, D-Orbit, or NanoAvionics) or check the services marketplace for brokers. SpaceX does not accept direct smallsat payloads — all rideshare goes through a deployer.
Rocket Lab Electron Rideshare and Dedicated Missions
Rocket Lab Electron is the leading small dedicated launch vehicle. While each Electron mission typically serves a single customer, some missions carry secondary rideshare payloads. Electron’s key advantage: complete orbit customization. Any LEO inclination and altitude is accessible. Current upcoming missions include multiple StriX (iQPS constellation) and BlackSky imaging satellite deployments.
- Electron | StriX Launch 10 — iQPS SAR constellation, SSO
- Electron | StriX Launch 11 — iQPS SAR constellation, SSO
- Electron | StriX Launch 12 — iQPS SAR constellation, SSO
- Electron | BlackSky Gen-3 5 — optical imaging, mid-inclination LEO
- Electron | 6x HawkEye 360 — RF-sensing cluster, LEO
For hosted payload or rideshare slots on Rocket Lab missions, contact Rocket Lab directly or through a licensed broker. Dedicated Electron missions start at $7.5M with 9-12 month lead time.
How to Read a Launch Manifest
A launch manifest lists confirmed, contracted launches on a given vehicle for a given period. Key terms:
- Manifest open / accepting payloads: The deployer is actively contracting secondary payloads for this mission. Book now.
- Manifest closed: No more payloads accepted. Wait for the next mission.
- NET (No Earlier Than): The earliest possible launch date. Rideshare missions frequently slip by weeks.
- Rideshare capacity remaining: Most deployers publish remaining mass capacity. When a Transporter mission shows <10 kg remaining, act immediately or wait for the next one.
Booking Timeline: How Far Out Should You Plan?
| Vehicle | Typical Lead Time | When to Start |
|---|---|---|
| SpaceX Transporter | 12-18 months | 18+ months before target launch |
| Rocket Lab Electron (dedicated) | 9-12 months | 12 months before target launch |
| ISRO PSLV | 12-24 months | 24 months out (add 6 months for US export license) |
| Arianespace Vega-C | 18-24 months | 24 months out |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a space launch manifest?
A launch manifest is the official schedule of upcoming launches for a given rocket or launch service provider. For rideshare missions, the manifest lists contracted payload customers, mission mass, target orbit, and planned launch date. Rideshare manifests are managed by deployers (not the launch vehicle operator) and are updated as payload slots fill up.
How do I get a slot on an upcoming rideshare mission?
Contact a deployer that is manifested on your target mission. For SpaceX Transporter, deployers include Exolaunch, D-Orbit, NanoAvionics, and Momentus Space. They will provide a quote, integration requirements, and a launch services agreement. You can also find service offers from multiple deployers on the KOSMOLAB SPACE services page.
What happens if a rideshare mission is delayed?
Delays of 2-8 weeks are common for rideshare missions. Your satellite stays in integration storage at the launch site. Most launch services agreements (LSAs) allow for limited free delays, after which storage fees may apply. If a mission slips more than 6 months, most deployers will offer a transfer to the next available mission at no additional charge.
Is there a rideshare launch manifest for 2026?
Yes — the most up-to-date rideshare launch manifest for 2026 is the live database on KOSMOLAB SPACE launches. SpaceX plans 5-6 Transporter missions in 2026 (Transporter 16 through ~21). ISRO PSLV has 4-5 scheduled flights. Arianespace Vega-C has 2-3 missions. All confirmed upcoming missions are listed on the launches page, filterable by orbit, rocket, and form factor.
Related Guides
- Rideshare Launch Cost Guide 2026 — Current pricing by payload class, plus integration and insurance cost breakdown.
- How to Book a CubeSat Rideshare Launch — Step-by-step walkthrough of the rideshare booking process and launch services agreement.
- Rideshare Launch Provider Comparison 2026 — Compare SpaceX Transporter, D-Orbit, Exolaunch, NanoAvionics, and PSLV side by side.
Ready to find your slot? Browse the live launch manifest, compare rideshare providers, or read the rideshare cost guide before you book.